The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nominations of four new judges last week, making a small dent in the widening gap of judicial vacancies. The New Jersey State Bar Association has repeatedly called upon the Governor and the Legislature to address this growing concern, which triggered the suspension of civil and divorce trials in six counties by the Supreme Court.
“A justice system this devoid of judges simply cannot serve the state’s residents, who rely on the courts to adjudicate cases and bestow justice equally, impartially and in a timely manner,” said NJSBA President Jeralyn L. Lawrence in a statement following the Supreme Court’s recent announcement.
Two of the nominees come from Union County, one from Ocean County and one from Hudson County. In addition to the new nominees, eight judges were renominated to the Superior Court. Vacancies remain at 69, with over 20 more judges to retire in June.
Bill to cap economic damages met with criticism in committee
Senate bill 3343 (Sacco), which would limit noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases and reduce contingency fees for attorneys to protect New Jersey patients and the well-being of New Jersey doctors, met opposition at a hearing last week.
A number of stakeholders testified against the bill before the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. The NJSBA opposed the bill, saying it bars the full and fair recovery for victims of malpractice.
“The bill has the potential to block a very important avenue for victims of medical malpractice to seek redress for—in some cases—significant and catastrophic damages suffered as a result of this malpractice,” said the NJSBA in a written statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“It also disincentivizes practitioners from taking on these costly, complex matters because it would restrict the amount of recovery for costs spent litigating the matter that are unavoidable and are borne by the very people who are called upon to advocate for these victims of medical malpractice.”
In urging legislators to vote no on the bill, the NJSBA argued the measure will have a devastating impact on patients who seek redress for their injuries by making it nearly impossible for victims of medical malpractice to fully realize the full and fair compensation for their injuries.
The bill was held by the Committee. The NJSBA will continue to monitor it.
This is a status report provided by the New Jersey State Bar Association on recently passed and pending legislation, regulations, gubernatorial nominations and/or appointments of interest to lawyers, as well as the involvement of the NJSBA as amicus in appellate court matters. To learn more, visit njsba.com.